Pattern gardening is a method of
designing gardens influenced by the concepts of ''
design pattern
A design pattern is the re-usable form of a solution to a design problem. The idea was introduced by the architect Christopher Alexander and has been adapted for various other disciplines, particularly software engineering. The "Gang of Four" boo ...
'' and ''
pattern language
A pattern language is an organized and coherent set of ''patterns'', each of which describes a problem and the core of a solution that can be used in many ways within a specific field of expertise. The term was coined by architect Christopher Alexa ...
'' originated by
Christopher Alexander. It reflects the
archetypal
The concept of an archetype (; ) appears in areas relating to behavior, historical psychology, and literary analysis.
An archetype can be any of the following:
# a statement, pattern of behavior, prototype, "first" form, or a main model that o ...
patterns of garden making, based on proportions and how the senses react. Patterns give coherence to garden design and communicate creativity and aesthetics.
Specific elements are instinctively looked for in a garden. Working with these elements is the basis for all good garden design. Each such element, or pattern, is archetypal, and therefore any pattern can be easily adapted to any garden situation. The fourteen pattern elements are:
*Scale, which relates the garden to the environment;
*
Garden rooms, which divide and connect the garden;
*Pathways, which define what we see in the garden;
*Bridges, which differentiate garden spaces and create compelling focal points;
*Gates, which are the portal to the garden;
*Shelters, which anchor the garden in space;
*Borders, which separate and make distinct garden sections;
*Patios, which tie the house to the landscape;
*Sheds, which add texture;
*Focal points, which create destinations in the garden;
*Water, which fully engages the senses;
*Ornamentation, which creates mood;
*Containers, which allow artistic flexibility; and,
*Materials, which add bulk, solidity, and softness to the garden.
References
* Easton, Valerie. (2007) ''A Pattern Garden: The Essential Elements of Garden Making.'' Portland: Timber Press {{ISBN, 978-0-88192-780-1
Design
Design patterns
Types of garden
Landscape architecture